Survey on road through Arunachal's Pakke Tiger Reserve stopped

Itanagar: Chief Minister Pema Khandu ordered stopping all survey works for a road that would go through the Pakke Tiger Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, expressing concern over the impact it may have on the biodiversity of the region.

The proposed 40-km road is part of the East-West Industrial Corridor that would connect Seijosa in Pakke Kessang district to Bhalukpong in West Kameng district.

Following an initial review meeting with the chief secretary and the commissioner of PWD, Khandu decided to stop all survey works on the proposed road on Monday, officials said.

The Pakke Tiger Reserve is home to over 2,000 species of plants, 300 species of birds, 40 species of mammals and 36 species of reptiles.

"As many species of flora and fauna are globally threatened, and Pakke Tiger Reserve is one of the last remaining strongholds of these species, we are committed to preserving it for our coming generations," Khandu said.

"We are aware that any infrastructural developments that can be detrimental to the tiger reserve in the future need to be considered seriously before proposing it," he added.

A detailed review meeting will be held soon on the issue to chalk out further course of action, an official statement said.

PTI